Female Athlete Triad is a combination of three medical conditions:
- Disordered eating
- Lack of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
- Bone weakening (osteoporosis)
Each part of the triad has its own risks and each part of the triad needs attention, even when not accompanied by the other two conditions.
Disordered eating may lead to malnutrition, fatigue, decreased ability to fight off infections and heal injuries, inability to think clearly and depression. Irregular heart beat, damage to the stomach and digestive track, dehydration and other serious and immediate life threatening complications.
Amenorrhea is a symptom of inadequate hormone function. The hormone function of the body is complex and disturbance in one area of hormone function can seriously impact other bodily functions. The lack of estrogen also can cause loss of bone density and lead to an increased risk of stress fractures and osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis includes bone loss and lack of new bone formation. This can result in unusual fractures, impaired mobility, and chronic pain.
These conditions are treatable, and the sooner you get help the better your chances of reducing long term consequences.
Resources
- Director of Counseling Services ext.5786
- Director of Recreation and Wellness ext. 5209
